Process of Accreditation

The adoption in 2001 of the Principles of Accreditation by
the Commission on Colleges introduced significant changes in the approach
to accreditation. The institution’s effectiveness and its ability
to create and sustain an environment that enhances student learning is
the focus of this new approach. The process is designed to determine the
quality of an institution within the framework of its mission, its goals,
and its analysis of and response to crucial institutional issues.

There are four paramount concepts on which the success of the accreditation
process depends. One is the belief that the accreditation of institutions
should be conducted by peer reviewers, a process whereby institutional
effectiveness and quality are professionally judged by peers from institutions
of higher education whose expertise and experience are essential to their
ability to exercise professional judgment. A second concept is institutional
integrity and the assumption that all information disseminated by an institution
seeking accreditation is truthful, accurate, and complete and that all
of its dealings with its constituencies and the public are honest and
forthright. Another concept is the institution’s commitment to quality
enhancement and the last paramount concept is the institution’s
focus on student learning.

The accreditation process also assumes that all participants
in the process will conduct their responsibilities with integrity, objectivity,
fairness, and confidentiality.

Source: Handbook for Reaffirmation of Accreditation,
Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools,
2002.